Security - Car Alarms And Immobilisers

Many new cars sold in the UK are fitted with alarms or immobilisers, however, many older cars are not. Car alarms and immobilisers are designed to prevent the vehicle being stolen. This type of device falls into two categories, mechanical and non-mechanical. Mechanical immobilisers act as a visible deterrent to the opportunist car thief and most fit across the steering wheel. These devices are relatively cheap to buy, available from most car accessory outlets and are easy to install. Non mechanical immobilisers are unseen and disable the engine through a variety of methods. The most common devices either work through an infa-red signal or hidden switch located somewhere in the car.

The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (MIRRC), known as Thatcham, has been testing car alarms and security systems since 1992. Thatcham approves car security systems under a number of different categories. The aim of the testing is to ensure each car security device meets the manufacturer's claims, reduces the risk of theft and is safe, reliable and durable.

The Thatcham categories are as follows;

CAT1 - Combined car alarm and immobiliser. Key features include;
1. Car alarm with full perimeter and passenger compartment sensing and battery backed-up siren.
2. Passively armed immobiliser isolating a minimum of two operating systems.
3. Anti-scan, anti-grab key-code system.
4. Coded fuel valve for diesels.

CAT2 – Car immobiliser that is almost identical to CAT 1 but excludes the key feature car alarm with full perimeter and passenger compartment sensing and battery backed-up siren.

CAT3 - Mechanical immobiliser. Key features include;
1 Isolates a minimum of one operating system.
2 Easy to arm and disarm.
3 High level of attack resistance.
4 Permanent or temporary installation.

Thatcham also tests other types of car security products such as glass etching, parts marking systems, wheel-locking devices, security containers and remote immobilisation systems. These are categorized as 'Q'-class products.

For more details on approved products, contact Thatcham's Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 550 2006.

Technology is now playing a leading role in the combat of car theft. The latest car security systems are known as tracking devices and enable the police to pinpoint your car, should it be stolen, using satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. These security devices are usually hidden from view and some car owners choose not to advertise the fact a tracker is fitted to the vehicle. Trackers are the most expensive type of car alarms and attract owners of high risk or high worth vehicles. Many car insurance companies will often discount premiums if approved tracking devices are fitted.

For detailed information on car alarms and the fitting of devices consider contacting Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB) approved installers.